Hadil AlKhatib's journey does not begin at The Roost Rotisserie or Broth Lab or her recent venture Catcha Matcha — three healthy eateries that have made her a prominent figure in the region's wellness scene. Instead, it starts with a memory of a homeland she has never seen. Her mind conjures images of the old city of Jerusalem and the Al Khatib mountain, from which her entrepreneurial family derives its surname.
Her grandfather once ran a chain of hotels in Jordan. During the 1948 exodus, he moved his family to safety in Jordan, sparing them the hardships many Palestinians faced. Hadil's family eventually settled in Abu Dhabi, where her architect father found a new home after brief stays in Qatar. Despite plans to return to Jordan, the family remained in Abu Dhabi. "No matter how much you plan, some things are out of your control," she reflects.
Tragedy struck when her father died of a heart attack, leaving Hadil, then nine-and-a-half, and her elder brother, 16. She believes his early death was linked to his deep sorrow over not living in Palestine. This intergenerational trauma, a concept in modern psychology, suggests that trauma can be passed down unconsciously.
Hadil's career as a human resources professional in Abu Dhabi's energy sector was successful, managing a team of 110. However, motherhood and a challenging choice between career and childcare led her to prioritize family. Despite coping well, she faced a period of mental and physical exhaustion, undiagnosed and unresolved.
Seeking healing, Hadil enrolled in the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York, focusing on nutrition and biology. She replaced her morning coffee with bone broth and embraced superfoods, transforming food into medicine. This journey of self-discovery and healing inspired her to share her knowledge.
The Roost Rotisserie, launched in 2017, was a testament to her commitment to healthy eating. She introduced bone broth as a free appetizer, recognizing its healing properties. This led to the creation of Broth Lab in 2020, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. Hadil's approach to the competitive F&B industry emphasizes collaboration over competition, believing in the importance of variety for consumers.
Today, Hadil is on the verge of expanding Broth Lab to the United States and other GCC countries. Her journey from HR professional to F&B entrepreneur has been challenging but rewarding. "You can have the best education, but stamina and patience are crucial for survival as an entrepreneur," she advises.
